The presence of a doula reduces:

Doula-attended mums also report less pain during birth, fewer signs of depression, and a higher level of self-esteem.

Unfortunately the system doesn’t allow for a named midwife and it is highly likely you wont of met her before she walks into your birth.

I am passionate about giving a constant nurturing and caring relationship to a couple to enable the journey from conception to birth and beyond is a calm and very happy one.

The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek and is now used to refer to someone experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the couple before, during, and just after childbirth. Studies have shown that when doulas attend births, they are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. This is because the couple feel safe and cared for and protected.

Having myself as a birth support doula means that you will get to know me and know I will be with you at the birth long before the birth itself you will have my time to express your needs and desires through pregnancy, helping the whole journey be a positive and enjoyable experience.

Antenatally we will spend time getting to know each other and grow comfortable in each others company. Every family is different and needs may vary from one to another we can be very adaptable to those needs and will always support in a way that works best for you. As well as doing two visits I am available throughout via phone or email. I am on-call for you 24hrs a day from weeks 38-42 of your pregnancy and available to join you at your birth as early as you feel the need.

During labour I will support you over the phone, offering suggestions on comfort measures until you reach a point where you feel you’d like me to join you. I then remain with you throughout the birth regardless of length until you are happily settled and feeding your baby.

A common concern is that a doula will somehow try to take dads place or that he will be made to feel redundant, this is not the case. I am there to support you as a family and encourage fathers to participate at whatever level feels comfortable for you both. I provide peace of mind that should he need to take a break, get something to eat or choose not to be there for whatever reason you will not be left alone. Also I am there to help you make informed choices and liase with the midwives/doctors about your preferences for your birth.

‘’ Tracey was our rock before the birth helping us to prepare so we could make informed choices and I really felt part of the whole experience and felt 100% comfortable that she would be at our birth. She became like family, a real trust built very quickly, care like you just cant get in the NHS. The best part however was the birth itself. When a curve ball was thrown our way she remained calm, stopped the feeling of panic, kept Julie from letting the situation spoil our experience and this meant that although we needed a little help at the end, it was still positive and controlled. A special lady!’’

Please see births that I have supported on the birth story page.

Postnatally I visit again to check that you’re happily settled into your new role at home. To debrief your birth experience (perhaps filling you in on details you may have missed or forgotten). To listen to how you feel about both the birth and being a new mum. I can also support with feeding, bathing, dressing etc.

Full package as above is £695.

I love being a doula and feel very honoured to be part of so many couples special day when they first join eyes with their baby for the first time.

Here are some interesting articles on having a doula to support you both at your birth.